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Newly Diagnosed: First Steps

Each year about 1 million people are diagnosed with some form of cancer. If you're one on these people, you may have questions about the disease, your prognosis, the treatments and your well-being. "Newly Diagnosed: First Steps" provides the information you need to work with members of your treatment team to move forward with the hope of remission and recovery. Subsequent sections will guide you through treatment, supportive care and beyond.

The cancer journey can be stressful and intimidating. During this time, you'll be:

accepting the news that you have cancer

telling your family and friends

finding a specialist

getting the correct diagnosis

making treatment choices

beginning treatment

taking care of your everyday needs

finding the time and money for medical care

completing treatment

going for follow-up visits

Hearing the news that you have blood cancer may be a shock to you and your loved ones. You may feel sad, depressed or afraid. But learning about your cancer can help you make knowledgeable decisions with your doctor about your cancer treatment and take an active role in your ongoing care. Many people are better able to cope once they begin treatment and can look forward to the prospect of recovery.

Have a child with cancer?

We have strategies and resources that can help you, your child and other family members get through the uncertain times that lie ahead.

Contact your doctor about tiredness, fever, pain or sleeplessness so that any problems can be addressed early.

Get medical advice if you have prolonged changes in mood, feelings of sadness or depression. Depression is an illness that should be treated.

Learn about your insurance coverage, healthcare facilities and available support for you and your family.

Remember that the outlook for people with blood cancer is continuing to improve and new treatments are on the horizon. Researchers are studying new blood cancer treatments in clinical trials for patients of all ages and in all treatment stages.

We're Here to Help

You can reach out to our information specialists at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for knowledgeable answers to your questions. They're available every business day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Call us at (800) 955-4572.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.